Walt Disney World Resort

"Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney...and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place...a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn - together."

The Walt Disney World Resort, commonly known as Walt Disney World and informally as Disney World, is the world's most-visited entertainment resort located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It is owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company through its Parks and Resorts division and is home to four theme parks, two water parks, and many more recreational and entertainment venues.

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The resort was developed by Walt Disney in the 1960s to supplement Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. In addition to hotels and a theme park similar to Disneyland, Walt's original plans also included an "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow", a planned city that would serve as a test bed for new innovations for city living. After extensive lobbying, the Government of Florida created the Reedy Creek Improvement District, a special government district that essentially gave the Walt Disney Company the standard powers and autonomy of an incorporated city. Walt died in 1966 before his original plans were fully realized. The resort was originally to be named "Disney World," but before its opening Walt's brother Roy renamed it to "Walt Disney World" in his honor, and to remind everyone that it was Walt's dream.

The Magic Kingdom's layout and attractions are similar to Disneyland Park, and is dedicated to fairy tales and Disney characters. Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown and Main Street U.S.A. are all present. Some of the attractions are unique to one park, but most of the popular attractions are found at both parks. New Orleans Square was replaced with Liberty Square. Originally imagined as an expansion of Main Street U.S.A., the area is based on a town in colonial New England.

Formally known as Disney-MGM Studios, Disney's Hollywood Studios is divided into six themed areas. Unlike the other Walt Disney World parks, this park does not have a defined layout, resembling more of a mass of streets and buildings that blend into each other, much like a real motion picture studio. The plaza at the end of Hollywood Boulevard, however, featured a large Hidden Mickey, which was visible in aerial photographs of the park and on the park's early guide maps. Construction and other park changes have eliminated much of this image. The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow is located at Mickey Avenue, a sub-section of Animation Courtyard.

At Walt Disney World Resort, the Pirates of the Caribbean journey begins at the end of the Adventureland area of the Magic Kingdom where a skeleton pirate sits in a crow's nest attached to a ship's mast. He guards the stately Spanish fortress El Castillo - Torre del Sol. Pass under his black sail and pirate flag to the cool, covered, cavernous queue quarters. If ye be seekin' adventure, climb aboard a boat.

Treasure Island - Originally a pirate-themed island, complete with shipwreck. A $25,000 diamond was buried there as a promotion for The Rescuers. It was later turned into Discovery Island, an animal reserve, and was shut down in 1999.

Thar's plenty o' treasure to be discovered that be for pirates and landlubbers alike if ye knows wheere to be lookin'!

World of Disney Shopping - World of Disney Store, in Downtown Disney Marketplace, is the largest Disney Character store in Walt Disney World Resort -- and on Earth! It's a great place to pick up pirate-inspired treasures![4]

Cakes - My Mini Suprise Cake - Give your favorite pirate a personal-size party. Cakes come in a special Pirates Treasure Chest container, with a special surprise toy! They make the perfect treat to add to a Disney dining celebration. Available at Character Dining and buffet locations. Click here to find this among the many Special Occasion options at Walt Disney World Resort![6]

There is always plenty to do and see at Walt Disney World Resort for Pirates fans. Check out some of the latest swashbuckling events!

The Pirates League - Transform yerself, matey, into a true buccaneer! Captain Jack Sparrow is looking for pirates of all ages to join the crew of the Black Pearl. Come to The Pirates League and get yerself a whole new identity -- complete with name, look, and pirate portrait! Join the crew -- it's a pirate's life for you![7]

Pirate Rooms at Disney's Caribbean Resort - Add an adventurous touch to your stay at a tropical paradise when you select a pirate-themed room at the Caribbean Beach Resort. Whether you're a seafarer or a landlubber, the whimsical decor is sure to thrill and enchant. Be sure to ask about availability for these specially themed rooms, as they are often booked months in advance![8]